Visit Italy On This Day to discover things that happened today in Italian history, from famous Italians who were born or died on this day to moments that helped shape Italy's life and culture.

At Italy On This Day you will read about events and festivals, about important moments in history, and about the people who have made Italy the country it is today, and where they came from. Italy is a country rich in art and music, fashion and design, food and wine, sporting achievement and political diversity. Italy On This Day provides fascinating insights to help you enjoy it all the more.

Tuesday, 24 May 2016

Gian Gastone dè Medici – Grand Duke of Tuscany

The last Medici to rule Florence

A portrait of Gian Gastone de' Medici,
the last in a line of Florentine rulers

Gian Gastone dè Medici, the seventh and last Grand Duke of
Tuscany, was born on this day in 1671 in the Pitti Palace in Florence.

He was the second son of Grand Duke Cosimo III and
Marguerite Louise d’Orleans.

Because his elder brother predeceased him he succeeded his
father to the title in 1723.

He had an unhappy arranged marriage and the couple had no
children so when he died in 1737 it was the end of 300 years of Medici rule
over Florence.

He spent the last few years of his reign confined to bed,
looked after by his entourage.

One of his final acts was to order the erection of a statue
to Galileo in the Basilica of Santa Croce.

He was buried in the Basilica of San Lorenzo and Francis
Stephen of Lorraine succeeded to the title of Grand Duke of Tuscany.

Travel tip:

The Palazzo Pitti, known in English as the Pitti Palace, is
on the south side of the River Arno, a short distance from the Ponte Vecchio.
It became the main residence of the rulers of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany and is
now the largest museum complex in Florence.

The Museo Galileo in Piazza dei Giudici houses one of the
world's biggest collections of scientific instruments

Travel tip:

There is a museum dedicated to Galileo in Florence, the
Museo Galileo in Piazza dei Giudici close to the Uffizi Gallery. It houses one
of the biggest collections of scientific instruments in the world in Palazzo
Castellani, an 11th century building. The museum is open Mondays to Sundays
from 9.30 to 18.00, closing at 13.00 on Tuesdays.

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THE SHOOTING IN SORRENTO

The Shooting in Sorrento, a new crime novel set in the southern Italy resort, is now available from Amazon.
It is the second Butler and Bartorelli mystery by Val Culley, following Death in the High City, which was set in Bergamo in Lombardy.The book - written for readers who prefer the 'cosy crime' genre - features journalist Kate Butler and her partner, Steve Bartorelli, who is a retired Detective Chief Inspector.They are in Sorrento for the wedding of the daughter of one of Steve’s Italian cousins.When tragedy strikes an English family staying at their hotel, Kate feels she has to help.She joins forces with another visitor to Sorrento to investigate after it becomes clear the Italian police aren’t looking further than the English family.

Sicilian who brought order among warring clans Charles 'Lucky' Luciano, pictured in Italy in 1948, after he had been deported ...

ITALY

BEST OF ITALY HOTELS

A selection of recommended hotels in Italy. Click on the picture to visit the site.

BEST OF BERGAMO

Tips and advice for visitors to this lovely Italian city. Click on the picture to visit the site.

BEST OF SORRENTO

Tips and advice for visitors to this popular Italian resort. Click on the picture to visit the site.

BEST OF PADOVA

What to see in this charming city in the Veneto. Click on the picture to visit the site.

NOTICE

All facts given on this website have been carefully researched and are published by the Italy On This Day Editor in good faith. All travel advice, hotel and restaurant recommendations are based on information that has been checked and was correct at the time of writing.